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This Kung Pao Cauliflower is a delicious stir-fry which is spicy, hearty, satisfying, and comforting. It’s a great meat-free Chinese takeout alternative to Kung Pao Chicken! The Kung Pao sauce has the perfect combination of spicy, salty and sweet flavors which will make your mouth water. The recipe is vegan, gluten-free, low in fat and calories, and can be made oil-free!
Kung Pao Cauliflower Stir-Fry
Hello dears, I am excited to share my first vegan Chinese recipe with you! I must admit that I wasn’t the biggest fan of Chinese food in the past. The salty/sweet combo tasted weird to me but my tastebuds have changed and now I LOVE this flavor combination.
That’s why I have been busy in my kitchen lately, trying out different Chinese recipes. And this is the first one! Kung Pao Cauliflower – and let me tell you, I simply adore it and so does my boyfriend! Why should you give it a try? Because it’s…
- Packed with spicy, salty and sweet flavors
- A great meat-free alternative to Kung Pao Chicken
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
How To Make Kung Pao Cauliflower?
This recipe has only 8 steps which are easy to follow and not complicated at all. First, you allow the cauliflower a nice cozy bath in a batter made from chickpea flour, cornstarch, soy sauce, and water. While the cauliflower florets bake in the oven you can fry the bell pepper, garlic, fresh ginger and peppercorns in a skillet. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
You can serve the vegan Kung Pao with rice or rice noodles (both taste amazing!) and can prepare it accordingly to the package instructions while the cauliflower is in the oven.
Meanwhile, you can also start making the spicy Kung Pao sauce which takes literary just 60 seconds. All you need to do is, combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk. Then pour the sauce into the skillet, bring to a boil, and allow it to simmer for one minute.
Finally, add the roasted cauliflower to the skillet and give it a good stir. You can enjoy it right away. However, if you want the cauliflower to be crispy, transfer it back to the oven for a further 10-15 minutes! Check the easy instruction pictures below:
What about Kung Pao Tofu?
This spicy Kung Pao can be made with either cauliflower or tofu. I don’t eat tofu very often but if you want your Kung Pao to be packed with lots of plant-based protein you can use tofu instead of cauliflower. How to make Kung Pao Tofu?
The sauce and the ingredients for the skillet are the same but you can skip the baking part. Instead, you will need to press the tofu for about 15-20 minutes, slice it into cubes and fry it in a pan until nicely brown. You can try out both versions and let me know which one you preferred. 🙂
Spicy Kung Pao
Do you love spicy food? I know it’s super healthy and I like spicy food as long as it’s not too spicy. Yesterday I ate a whole dried chili (yes, the whole chili with the seeds) and almost fainted, haha. It was too much for my tastebuds. You can make this Kung Pao with 4-6 dried chilies which you can fry with the garlic, ginger, peppercorns, and bell pepper.
However, I would suggest removing the chilies before you pour in the sauce. If you don’t have dried chilies, simply use 1/4 teaspoon (or more) cayenne pepper. Not a fan of spicy meals? Leave it out completely for a mild Kung Pao Cauliflower.
Does it keep?
Yes! Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in a pan/skillet.
You Will Love This Kung Pao Cauliflower. It’s:
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Spicy
- Sweet & Salty
- Satisfying
- Comforting
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for a weeknight dinner
- And it can be made oil-free
Tips For This Spicy Kung Pao Recipe
- Serve it with Yasmin rice, Basmati rice or rice noodles
- Double the batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Use tofu instead of cauliflower for a protein-rich variation
Should you recreate this spicy Chinese stir-fry, please leave a comment below and don’t forget to tag me in your Instagram or Facebook post with @elavegan and #elavegan because I love to see your remakes! If you love spicy food, definitely also check out the following vegan spicy recipes:
Kung Pao Cauliflower
Ingredients
Batter:
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour (60 g) (*see recipe notes)
- 4 tbsp cornstarch (30 g)
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk (120 ml)
- 1/2 tbsp soy sauce (*see recipe notes)
- 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets (600 g)
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup of water (120 ml)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (*see recipe notes)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (*see recipe notes)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4-1/3 tsp cayenne pepper OR 4-6 dried chilies (*see recipe notes)
For the skillet:
- 2 tsp oil or water
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
- 3/4-1 tsp peppercorns
- 1 small/medium bell pepper sliced into fine strips
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- fresh chives chopped
- peanuts (optional)
Instructions
Batter:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl whisk together cornstarch, chickpea flour, plant-based milk, and soy sauce. Let it sit for about 1 minute, then add the cauliflower florets.
- Toss until all cauliflower florets are coated with batter. Transfer the cauliflower to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes
Skillet:
- Heat oil (or water) in a skillet over low to medium heat, add garlic, ginger, peppercorns. Saute for 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Next, add bell pepper and saute with a lid on for a further 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently. Add more water if necessary (I used 1 tbsp).
Sauce:
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. In a medium/large bowl, combine water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Whisk.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet. Bring to a boil and let simmer on low heat for 1 minute. Add the roasted cauliflower florets and toss to coat.
- Transfer back to the baking sheet and bake for a further 10-15 minutes if you like the cauliflower to be crispy OR enjoy immediately.
- Serve with rice or rice noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds, fresh chives and peanuts (optional). Enjoy!
Notes
- Chickpea flour alternative: I would suggest using gluten-free all-purpose flour (or regular flour if not gluten-free) instead of chickpea flour (haven't tried it out though).
- Soy sauce: Use gluten-free if needed or tamari or coconut aminos. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce.
- Sweetener: You can use a sweetener of choice, e.g. maple syrup, coconut sugar, brown sugar, etc.
- Use 1/4 teaspoon (or more) of cayenne pepper OR 4-6 dried chilies instead. If you prefer dried chilies, add them to the pan and fry together with garlic, ginger, peppercorns, and bell pepper. Then remove the chilies before you pour in the sauce, otherwise, the Kung Pao will be too spicy!
- Recipe serves 2. Nutrition facts are for one serving (without rice or rice noodles).
Nutrition
If you are using Pinterest, feel free to pin the following photos:
Love this recipe and those pictures. Lately, I´m addicted to cauliflower, so this is the perfect recipe for me! Thanks for sharing this recipe Ela. Definitely have to try it 🙂
Happy Sunday
Thank you, dear, Melanie! So glad you love the pictures. I hope you will give the recipe a try! 🙂
Omg! This will be so yummy! 😋😋😋 I just cooked your sweet potato curry and it was amazing!! Even my meat eating friends were amazed 😂😂 I will make that cauliflower next time ! ❤
So happy you liked the sweet potato curry, Gosia! Hope you will also love the Kung Pao Cauliflower! 🙂
Made this dish as soon as I saw the recipe! On the train home from work wondering what to make for dinner, this popped up on my instagram feed and when I saw how simple it was I was sold. Such bold flavors and a method anyone can use. Highly recommend! Also I put the cauliflower back in the oven after coating with the sauce- worth it!
Fantastic! I am so pleased you loved the recipe, Chole! Thanks so much for your incredible feedback. 🙂
I’ve been vegetarian and 80% vegan. I am always looking for new vegan dishes! Thank you for this recipe idea! All your recipes look so good Ela
Thanks so much, Welina! I hope you will like this recipe and many others as well. 🙂
You are amazing, your food has changed my life😃
You are so sweet to say this! Very happy you like my recipes! 🙂
Monday is Ela Day. Evey monday I am cooking something from your blog and its always a blast. This one will make us happy today 🙂
Love this! Thanks so much for sharing, Katharina! 🙂
What would be a good substitute if I don’t have chickpea flour? If using.tofu instead of cauliflower, how much tofu should be used?
Hi Isla! I would suggest using gluten-free all-purpose flour (or regular flour if not gluten-free) instead of chickpea flour. Also, I would recommend one 12oz or 14oz block of extra firm tofu.
Hi~what type of flour I can substitute chickpea flour?? Can I use rice flour??
Hi Irene, I just answered the question in the comment above. I would suggest using gluten-free all-purpose flour (or regular flour if not gluten-free) instead of chickpea flour.
We made this for dinner this evening and it was amazing . We served it with brown rice. I used all purpose flour and it did come out a bit gummy when I baked it , but still delish. Next time I will buy the chick pea flour . Thank you for all the tasty recipes and detailed posts .
Sounds great! Thanks a lot for your thorough feedback, Jan. 🙂
This was so wonderful, I did use regular flour. It was better after it sat awhile. This was my first recipe I have used of yours. I now am a believer in your recipes. I thought I would try something I had doubts about. I have only been vegan since right after Thanksgiving. I am 66 and my grandaughter helped me realize it is never to late to start a new way of living. Next up is your cheese sauce made with nutritioal yeast.
Wow, your comment made my day! I am so glad to hear that you liked this recipe. And, I absolutely agree, it’s never too late to change old habits! Thanks so much for your wonderful comment, Carol! 🙂
Hello,
Can I use Tapioca flour rather than cornstarch?
Thanks.
I believe it could work! 🙂
This look amazing!!! Will try.
Amazing! I hope you will like it, Zdenka. 🙂
I just made this recipe, absolutely delicious. Thank you very much for sharing. 😊
You are very welcome, Lily! I am so pleased you liked the recipe. 🙂
This recipe was a breeze to make and incredibly delicious. Hints of sweet, spicy and savory all combine for a truly authentic dish. Even my super picky father devoured it. Not a single recipe on this site has disappointed me yet – Please keep them coming!!
Wow! I am super pleased you and your father loved this recipe! Thanks so much for your wonderful feedback, Janet! 🙂
Love Chinese food and spicy cauliflower 😍
Looks so delicious!
Thank you, Bianca! Chinese food is very delicious, I agree. 🙂
WONDERFUL recipe!! I had a huge head of cauliflower so doubled all the other ingredients. We ate this two nights in a row, first with rice and then reheated in the oven and served with noodles. The noodles win over rice. Really tasty, thank you! Even our three little dogs were begging for cauliflower, LOL. Glad there was enough to go around. I’m looking forward to trying your other creations. Keep up the excellent work!
Yay, that’s awesome! So happy you all loved the recipe (including the dogs, haha!). Thanks for your great feedback, Zernike. 🙂
Love Chinese food… I will try the recipe
Great! I hope you will love the recipe. 🙂
Made this tonight and it turned out amazing!! So flavorful. I didn’t make it spicy because my son doesn’t care for spicy food. Thank you for all the lovely delicious recipes!!
This will definitely be something we make again and again!!
I was wondering what to do with my cauliflower, and I stumbled upon this recipe. Oh wow! It turned out even better Thani expected! So hearty and satisfying. Thanks for another keeper! 🥰
That’s wonderful! Thanks for your great feedback, Ali. 🙂
I made this last night- very good! Personal preference will be to skip the batter next time and just coat some steamed cauliflower in the sauce. It would save time and still have all the flavour. Excellent recipe regardless!
So glad you loved the recipe, Jenn! Thanks for your amazing feedback. 🙂
Love this recipe Ela! Love the different ways you share on how to make cauliflower into delicious comfort meals. Dee xx
Thanks so much, Dee! I am glad you like it. 🙂
Much love, Ela
Ela should partner with the United States Public School Systems to create recipes that support a plant-based diet for students. Ela is an expert for sure.
https://youtu.be/yjr9TZjTqIM
This definitely a keeper. The cauliflower could easily pass as very tender chicken. Going to serve it to guess this weekend.Thanks for a great recipe
Thank you for the great feedback, Rita. Would be awesome if you could also leave a rating for the recipe! 🙂
I usually like many of your recipes (thank you!) and many come out well. But this just didn’t work at all. Given all the many positive comments, made a huge batch which am going to try and salvage into something else. The batter was fine but the cauliflower didn’t bake well…the temperature of the oven was fine, the length of time was fine…even extended the time in the oven. The batter was as per the recipe. It was just a big ‘blah’. Also way too many peppercorns. The sauce was again just ‘blah’. I put the cauliflower back in the oven with the sauce to get it more crispy/baked and just didn’t happen. All 5 of us didn’t like it and didn’t finish it. Sorry….not trying to be overly negative, but being honest. When things are great, happy to compliment but likewise, if it doesn’t work out, sharing that as well.
So sorry you didn’t like the recipe, Mike!
This was delicious and very filling! Made it over rice noodles. Re-heated the next day by baking the cauliflower again and it got nice and crispy! Will definitely make this again – thank you for the wonderful recipe!
Sounds fantastic! Thanks a lot for your amazing feedback, Mindy! 🙂
Made this delicious Kung Pao on Sunday night having leftovers tonight plus hubby took some for his lunch yesterday
Posted a photo on Instagram this morning & made sure to @elavegan & #elavegan…was very Happy with my effort…thanks Viv
I am glad you liked the recipe, Viv! 🙂
Made this tonight. Great flavor! Will cook cauliflower less time in the oven, as it was overcooked and mushy. And will add ground pepper instead of peppercorns. But big hit! Thank you!
Awesome! Thanks for your feedback, Kate. 🙂
I cooked this recipe w jasmine rice. I’m wondering if the batter step is necessary and if i should just stir fry the cauliflower w some olive oil next time. The flavors of the sauce were good!
It’s not necessary, Jamillah! 🙂
Hi,
The recepie looks wonderful. Is it possible to use something else inatead of cornstarch? Would potato starch be okay or are these two very different?
Looking forward to try it!
All the best for you,
Pille
Hi, potato starch should work as well. 🙂
Hello Ela! Just did the recipe! It’s amazing! Thanks again!
I have 1 question though. When I put the cauliflower in the oven at the first step, after I took it out some of it was stuck at the parchment paper. Do you have any idea why this happened?
Thanks again! Loved it!
Greetings from Cyprus 🙂
Hi Eliana, I think it could help if you would grease the parchment paper with a little oil before you add the cauliflower. 🙂
Greetings to Cyprus. 🙂
Woah, knocked it out of the park with this one. Added shiitake mushrooms with the peppers and it did not disappoint. Didn’t add the ginger, and it still tasted phenomenal. Great dish! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Great! Thanks for your wonderful feedback, Brian. 🙂